Fracking with Shell at their Gastech Conference -- a first-hand account from a ForestEthics volunteer
March 23rd, 2011
There we were, the three of us, enjoying the sunshine on a Dutch afternoon, outside the RAI conference centre in Amsterdam. Where the Gastech Conference was well on its way.
We'd registered and printed our badges as good obedient participants of the conference. It's nearing 2 o'clock, a perfect day and a perfect time for action!
As Shell is about to hold it's presentation and the delegates are finishing up their lunch and heading back to the conference, they have to pass through the exhibition centre's only exit. And that's where we were waiting for them. At exactly 5 min to 2 pm we unfold our banner above their heads and shower them with flyers. We have one clear message: "GET THE SHELL OUT OF THE SACRED HEADWATERS." Surprised faces stare at us, some use their latest gadget to record our action.
Obviously it doesn't last longer than five minutes before security has reached us and asks us to leave. We stall and try to buy time while our banner is still being admired and our flyers read by hundreds of delegates. Oh and did I mention that Shell had a private party going on right next to us?
After about ten minutes we were surrounded by at least 10 security personnel, one more friendlier than the other and we politely started packing up our stuff and removed our banner. We were so popular that all 10 of them wanted to escort us out, while their colleagues and Shell staff frantically tried to gather the hundreds of flyers we managed to drop. Good practice on how to clean up a mess!
And there we were again outside in the sunshine, enjoying our victory, but our photographer was still inside! Found out he was being detained by security demanding him to delete the pictures he'd taken.
I went back inside to join them. It became soon clear that we'd have a hard time getting to an agreement, them not wanting the story or pictures released to media and us very determined to do so. So they notified the authorities.
A real nice police officer showed up and told us that Shell, Gastech nor the RAI could demand from us to hand over the pictures. However they could press charges if we publish them without blurring peoples' faces and threatened to do so. We said we'd consider that. As we parted the VP of Gastech politely requested again on behalf of Shell if we would consider not publishing, I politely declined and wished them all a good day.
There we were, all three reunited and free. One more photo in front of the Gastech banner outside – we couldn't resist.
A day well worth spend! We sure as SHELL had them shaking
